7 Common Questions and Answers About Knee Injuries from Louisville Orthopedic Surgeon

1. What are the two most common sports-related knee injuries that require surgery? 

The two most common knee injuries that occur following a sports injury that require surgery are a meniscal tear and an acl tear.

2. What are the main causes of the ACL injury?

There is much scientific debate over the cause of an ACL injury. In order for the anterior cruciate ligament to tear, the tibia (lower leg bone/ shin) must shift forward to

transect or rupture the ligament. Hyper extension of the knee causes a similar event. The ACL injury typically occurs in the female athlete with a quadriceps passive event. This happens when a female athlete is running and suddenly stops or changes directions. This can also occur when landing from a jump such as landing from a rebound in basketball.

Most men tear their ACL with a quad active event such as being clipped in a blindsided fashion, like when a football player is tackled when running down the field.

3. I am a serious athlete with an ACL injury. Will I ever be able to compete again?

Yes, but most people do not compete at the same competitive level. Only 45 to 75 percent of athletes will return to the same level of competitive play depending on what scientific study is reviewed.

4. What is a torn meniscus?

The meniscus is the shock absorber that sits between the knee joints’ two bones. There are two of them. One is located on the inner side (medially) and one is situated laterally, on the outer half of the knee. The menisci function as shock absorbers in the knee. The menisci can get torn. When they tear it usually affects the inner rim of the meniscus. Symptoms of a meniscus tear include swelling, sharp pain located near the joint line and clicking.

5. How can I tell if my child has adolescent anterior knee pain syndrome?

Adolescent anterior knee pain syndrome is typically seen in females with flat feet, knocked (valgus) knees and hyper mobile kneecaps. Most girls will complain of a dull, achy pain that is located in the front of the knee joint.

Commonly adolescent anterior knee pain involves both knees. The knee pain intensifies when climbing stairs, sitting with the knees in a flexed position and jumping. Treatment is most commonly completed with arch supports that are placed in the shoes, a special knee brace, and physical therapy to help strengthen the hip and knee muscles.

6. Somebody told me I might need to consider arthroplasty. What is it?

Arthroplasty is also known as joint replacement or surgical repair of a joint. The joints that are commonly replaced are located in the knee and hip. Less commonly arthoplasty is performed in the shoulder and ankle. Arthroplasty is performed for people with advanced arthritis.

7. Should I get a referral to an Orthopedic surgeon if I hear popping sounds in my knee?

Knee popping is common. As long as it is not associated with pain, you do not need a referral to an orthopedic surgeon. Persistent knee pain and swelling associated with popping could be a sign of a more serious condition like a meniscal tear. In the case of knee popping with pain, contact an orthopedic surgeon for an evaluation.

If you are suffering from a knee injury, contact orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Stacie Grossfeld at Orthopaedic Specialists in Louisville, Kentucky, for more information and an appointment.

Leave a Reply